Passengers travelling between Budapest Airport and the city’s metro network can now buy a bus ticket with a bank card directly on board the 200E service, making one of the Hungarian capital’s key airport connections more convenient for visitors.
The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) introduced the new payment option on 28 October, extending a system already available on three other popular bus routes. The change means passengers no longer need cash to purchase a paper single ticket from the driver.
How to pay for your 200E airport bus ticket
Passengers can buy a paper single ticket when boarding the 200E bus, which runs between Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport and Kőbánya-Kispest, the southern terminus of metro line M3.
Payment can now be made through an onboard POS terminal using a conventional bank card. Digital wallets and virtual bank cards stored on smartphones and other devices are also accepted.
However, there is one important detail: buying a ticket does not automatically validate it. Passengers must still validate their paper tickets in the usual way after purchase.
The development is intended to make boarding quicker and easier for passengers while reducing the amount of cash drivers need to handle.
More Budapest bus routes now accept card payments
The 200E is not the first bus service to introduce this payment option. BKK launched onboard bank card payments on the 105, 210 and 210B routes in early September, focusing initially on services particularly popular with tourists.
The extension to the 200E brings the option to another important route for international visitors, connecting the airport with Budapest’s public transport network.
According to BKK, further expansion is possible based on passenger feedback and experience with the system. More routes are expected to offer onboard card payments in the first quarter of 2027.
If you missed it: BudapestGO receives useful new update to make metro journeys easier
Budapest is expanding its digital ticketing options
BKK is also working to extend its Budapest Pay&GO service, which allows passengers to pay for public transport using a bank card and is already available across all metro lines and on the 100E Airport Express.
Until then, travellers can continue to buy tickets and passes through the BudapestGO app, which also offers journey planning and real-time public transport information to help users find the most suitable route.
